Role of Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of long-standing knee flexion deformity in adults: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: One of the major disabilities of the lower limb is fixed knee flexion deformity. Post-polio residual paralysis is the main etiology, but there are others. This study evaluated the outcome of treatment of long-standing fixed knee flexion deformity with the Ilizarov external fixator without soft-tissue intervention or osteotomy in a certain age group. Methods: Thirty patients (33 knees) with knee flexion deformity were enrolled in this study. There were 11 women and 19 men. Three patients had bilateral lower limb affection. The etiology was post-polio residual paralysis in 11 patients (14 knees), four patients had brain insult, eight patients had post infectious etiology, and seven patients had failure of open reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures. An Ilizarov fixator was applied in all patients for deformity correction with no soft-tissue release or osteotomies. Results: The mean age of the patients was 28.7 yr (18-55 yr), the mean preoperative flexion knee angle was 77.87 degrees (50-130 degrees). The mean preoperative arc of motion was 17.1 degrees (0-50 degrees), the mean time since the deformity was well established was 9.4 yr (4-30 yr), the mean time needed for correction of the deformity was 49.2 days (27-120 days) at the end of the procedure. All patients achieved full correction of the deformity. Conclusions: The Ilizarov external fixator is an effective tool in the treatment of severe long-standing fixed knee flexion deformity in adults with minimal complications and good outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level II.